The separation or analysis of gases by passing them through a porous membrane at different rates.
From Greek 'atmos' (vapor, air) combined with 'lysis' (a loosening or breaking down). This scientific term was coined to describe the process where lighter gas molecules pass through pores faster than heavier ones.
This principle—that different gases move through barriers at different speeds based on their mass—became the foundation for modern gas separation technology and isotope enrichment, which eventually contributed to nuclear science.
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